Made In Space (MIS) has announced the successful manufacture of extended 3D printed objects in a space-like environment as part of its Tipping Point alliance with NASA.

Thought to be the first ever 3D printed functional parts produced in such an atmosphere, MIS believes this is a significant milestone as the company strives to make the production of systems and satellites in space commonplace.

MIS first utilised its Extended Structure Additive Manufacturing Machine (ESAMM) to in a thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) at NASA Ames Research Centre’s Engineering Evaluation Laboratory (EEL). Then, in its own facilities, having successfully operated the machine within the vacuum and temperature environment of space at the NASA lab, MIS built on its success and manufactured a 30-metre-long beam structure with the ESAMM. The ability to produce these large-scale, complex parts in space, MIS believes, will be a critical enabler of next-generation, space-optimised satellite design and deployment.

It provides a timely boost for Archinaut, MIS’ manufacturing and assembly technology, which leverages the company’s Additive Manufacturing Machine to make structures not dissimilar to the aforementioned 30-metre-long beam. Archinaut is still a couple of years away from being deployed in space, but these recent developments will make easier the planning and preparation that surrounds space missions.

Made In Space Additive Manufacturing Facility

Made In Space's Additive Manufacturing Facility.

“These successful demonstrations mean that on-demand, adaptable manufacturing of complex structures in space has been significantly de-risked,” said Andrew Rush, MIS President and CEO. “This expands the design space. We hope that mission planners can now more confidently design missions around in-space manufacturing and assembly, optimising satellites for their operational environment, not just launch.”

Test parts manufactured in the EEL TVAC facility were made in PEI/PC polymer alloy. Meanwhile, on the MIS Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a structural segment of a space-optimised boom was made out of PEI/PC. Together, these tests certify the potential of Made In Space’s additive manufacturing technologies as production tools in space.

“Satellites incorporating in-space manufacturing and assembly will inherently be more capable and provide more value to operators and users,” added Rush. “We’re proud to be making this vision a reality and grateful for NASA’s support.”

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